Saturday 23 March 2013

Snow before Holy Week!

You just can't plan for this; snow at the end of March. We had a happy and uplifting retreat with year 9s from Leeds, and were looking forward to welcoming a group from Sheffield; when over night there was snow and lots of it! The retreat had to be cancelled because the school couldn't get over the Pennines. In this weather, it is time to keep warm and be community together. However, it's been very pleasant to have the time just to focus on Palm Sunday. We have a group in our self-catering block, called the 'Barns'. It's the old cow barn which was converted many 'moons' ago into dormitory accommodation and kitchen, dining room and large activity room. The group is from a parish near Manchester, made up mainly of primary age youngsters and their youth workers. When I went over yesterday evening to see if they were okay, they were having a 'onesies' party. So, the children are having a real adventure and thoroughly enjoying it. It's always a joy to hear the laughter of children around the place.
Tomorrow's Palm Sunday. It seems like just yesterday we celebrated Ash Wednesday. I'm really looking forward to the Mass tomorrow. It will be an unusual experience processing through the snow, shouting "Hosanna!". I just hope the Parish group manage to get down the drive. It's covered completely in snow. The words of St. Francis de Sales come to mind:
"Just trust in God and He will continue to lead you safely through all things. Where you cannot walk, He will carry you in His arms."

God may have to do a lot of carrying tomorrow to get the group home.

Whatever you are doing this Easter and how ever you choose to celebrate it; I hope the joy and peace of the risen Christ shines brightly in your life.